James Harman

JAMES HARMAN is a one of a kind song writer, singer, harmonica player, recording producer and internationaly known wiseguy.
He was born and raised in Anniston, Alabama where he quickly picked up on the black blues and soul music being played on jukeboxes and the radio in the Deep South. In Harman's teens, he started playing juke joints and dance clubs throughout the South in the early 1960's, recording nine 45 RPM singles, for obscure southern labels.
In 1968 Harman was befriended by the members of Canned Heat who persuaded him to move to California saying they would help him get re-started. Harman made the move to Southern California in 1970. Once established he was in demand for his own shows as well as backing every living blues artist who came through the area without a band and opening shows for all the ones who did.
Some alumni include Phil Alvin and Bill Bateman who left in '78 to form The Blasters, Jeff Turmes, Stephen Hodges, Kid Ramos and Hollywood Fats who all had long stints in The James Harman Band. Harman is often sighted as a band leader who gave many now famous bluesmen their start.
Harman has had his original songs used in 17 movies and has been nominated for 19 pestiferous W. C. Handy awards. He played harmonica on many ZZ Top releases and live with them on many international TV shows. James Harman has releases on many labels.
He currently tours every spring, summer and fall, doing blues festivals in 24 countries.
He and his guitar player/partner Nathan James produces recording projects for other artists every winter in California.



James Harman Band (at Buddy Guy's)



James Harman Band (feat. Jr. Watson / Nathan James)



James Harman with ZZ TOP



James Harman with Carey Bell



James Harman with the Peter Nande Band (Åmål Blues Festival 2009)